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Chicago Engagement

Our first day as an engaged couple, we spent the day popping in and out of restaurants and stores. This was supposed to be our major sightseeing day, but it was fifteen degrees! We didn’t get very far. Fortunately, the hotel gave us a ride in their sweet new Lexus to our brunch spot, HUB 51.

Chicagoans must brunch late because at 10:30 am, we were practically the only people in the restaurant.

E had the breakfast nachos.

I had the breakfast tacos. FYI – HUB 51 is owned by the group that owns RPM and Paris Club, and they too offer a gluten-free menu…except at brunch.

Next, we made our way to The Bean…

Truly frozen, we took a taxi back to the hotel to thaw out. We headed up to Balsan, the restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria, for coffee and tea.

But the price was almost the same for coffee as for cocktails, so E had a bloody mary.

And I had the most outstanding hot chocolate with homemade vanilla bean whipped cream!

After seeing all the picture-perfect food go by, I decided it was time for a snack. So naturally, I ordered the two-course brunch. For $4, they’ll bring you gluten-free bread to have with the different spreads {Left to right: lemon curd, chocolate hazelnut, butter, preserves}. The bottom photo is steak and eggs with crispy fingerlings.

After relaxing by the fire in our room for most of the afternoon, we got ready for a night out and began our engagement celebration at The Drake Hotel bar.

It was obviously very popular because it was packed.

Our dinner spot was E’s choice: Ditka’s. It’s got a great atmosphere, and my burger was excellent. Downstairs is more like date night and upstairs is a party.

Definitely try the flourless chocolate cake if you ever make it to Ditka’s! What did we miss and what should we put on the list for our next trip {in the summer!}?